Teen jobs bill veto will stand, Stamas predicts

Midland Republican State Sen. Tony Stamas does not expect an attempt to override Gov. Jennifer Granholm's veto of his teenage employment bill.

He is disappointed no agreement was reached to allow some teenage employees to work a couple more hours each school week.

"We'll have to try and take a different look at it," Stamas said of the issue. He didn't give specifics of any approaches, beyond saying he'd "sit down with those interested."

The bill would have allowed 16- and 17-year-olds to work 20 hours a week when school is in session.

Current requirements limit teens to 48 hours of school and work combined each week during the school year. That leaves the typical teen with about 18 hours each week for part-time jobs, which Granholm said is plenty.

Supporters of the bill said moving to a uniform 20-hour-a-week employment standard for teens would have made it easier for employers to schedule students, who often come from different school districts with different academic hours.

The bill was approved by a 28-6 vote in the Senate and 72-33 in the House.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.